Amy Schumer reveals that she suffers from trichotillomania, a disorder that causes a compulsive need to pull out hair.
The comedian shared with Hollywood Reporter that she has been dealing with the condition since grade school. The disorder surfaced as she was going through a difficult time in her life. Amy’s symptoms began when her dad declared bankruptcy and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. To add to her stress, Amy’s mother left her dad to date Amy’s best friend’s dad. The comedian says she used to wear wigs to school because the excessive hair pulling would cause bald spots, and “everyone knew.”
“I think everybody has a big secret and that’s mine,” she says. “And I’m proud that my big secret only hurts me, but it’s been what I’ve carried so much shame about for so long.”
Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive disorder that gives people the urge to pull their hair out and won’t feel relief until they do. Since the disorder can be genetic, Amy says she fears her 2-year-old son will develop the same condition.
“Every time he touches his head I’m having a heart attack,” she adds.
Amy hopes to find relief and encourage others who suffer from the disorder through her new scripted Hulu show, “Life & Beth.”
“I really don’t want to have a big secret anymore,” Amy continues. “And I thought putting it in there would be good for me to alleviate some of my shame and maybe, hopefully, help others alleviate some of theirs, too.”
